Kyle DiFranco leader on East Longmeadow High hockey team

The big Berry Division clash between Westfield and East Longmeadow was still scoreless as it neared the halfway point of the game.

Matt Fessenden had the puck at the left point and was staring straight at a maze of players who formed a wall in front of goalie Alex Wiggs. The junior defenseman fired a slap shot toward the net.

Before it got there, Kyle DiFranco instinctively stuck out the blade of his stick. He redirected the puck past Wiggs for the first goal of East Longmeadow's 3-1 victory over Westfield.

Later, DiFranco would set up Vince Spagnuolo's empty-net goal that sealed the win with six seconds remaining.

"Kyle's a great player," goalie John Brennan said. "He's just awesome."

The Spartans, who moved into sole possession of first place in the Berry Division, know they can count on DiFranco. He has been one of the Berry's most prolific scorers and last season, he eclipsed the 100-point plateau as a junior.

"Kyle is one of the best athletes East Longmeadow has ever seen," East Longmeadow coach Bob Martin said. "He's been with us four years and he keeps getting better and better. He has a knack for the net and he's tough to knock off the puck."

Don't talk to DiFranco about the Bessone Award, presented annually to the top high school player in the region. His focus is on winning the first Division III hockey title in school history.

"Kyle is very much a team-first player," Martin said.

He has 134 points during a stellar four-year career. He may not break the school record of 176 set by Tony Levesque. But DiFranco can claim the most points in school history for the Berry Division. Back when Levesque and, the Spartans were a member of the Fay/Wright Division.

"I just want to keep working hard and doing my best," DiFranco said.

A three-sport standout, DiFranco also excels at golf and baseball, where he is a left-handed throwing catcher. His take-charge attitude behind the plate carries over to hockey.

"It helps me be a leader," DiFranco said. "I try to go out and have fun with every sport I play."

He certainly has fun on the ice. He doesn't even need to score to be effective.

A complete player, DiFranco knows all about the importance of being responsible in his own zone. He can body check with the best of them and he's a clever playmaker.

"Kyle's a great leader and we have great leadership from all of our seniors," Martin said. "Everyone has bought into what we've been preaching."